Nairobi — Kenya can make positive strides in the fight against corruption by rewarding those who come up with unique ways to stop the vice.
This is according to Joseph Patterson Okhako the author of the newly launched book titled Ethics of Life.
According to Okhako, corruption in the country is so deep rooted that even those who try to fight against it end up giving up because society seems to celebrate those who perpetuate the vice.
"Let us reward those who come up in unique ways to stop corruption either by unmasking police officers taking bribes, medical officers demanding bribes and just everyone else involved," he advised.
He was speaking on Radio Maisha's Morning show where he also talked about his book.
Okhako is the Founding Executive Director of Ethics Institute of East Africa (EthicEA) and the former Acting Deputy Director in charge of Corporate Services at the Bandari Maritime Academy.
He has several decades of work experience as an Ethics Practitioner and Anti-corruption Champion in Kenya and across the East African region.
He further argued that agencies put in place to fight corruption like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption cannot effectively stop the vice unless Kenyans themselves undergo and adopt a serious culture change.
"We have embedded this culture of "toa kitu kidogo na tunaabudu wale watu wafisadi," which loosely translates to "give me something small and we worship the corrupt," he said.
He also advised that the judiciary can play a major role if systems are put in place to protect and celebrate judges who stand firm and do the right thing when handling corruption cases.
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"Let us also celebrate these judges because our judiciary is very important in this fight," he said.
Okhako's book Ethics of Life was officially launched on October 27 in a colorful event held in Nairobi.
The book highlights the Principles and Practices that define the Ethical Path of citizens.
Professor P.L.O Lumumba who graced the event noted that corruption in Africa has become a governance norm that will take long to kill.
"All you see in Africa is theft on an industrial scale and I agree," Lumumba stated.
Lumumba said that Kenya is facing a huge crisis because of unethical leadership.
Kenyan youths have consequently been challenged to rise up and be at the forefront in the fight against graft.
